[1] April 16, 1931. Mr. J. R. Hobbins, Butte, Montana. Dear Jim: It was a shame that I did not see you and Bertha last week. When I came back from the market and found that you people had been here I called the Biltmore in Los Angeles and the Virginia in Long Beach but no luck. Since then all this grief about the model of Charlie has come up. I heard Mr. Evans had talked to you on the phone regarding it and I was to have called you but I did not know what to say as I knew so little about the happening. In fact, today a letter from Harry Mitchell gave me more details than anything I had re- cieved. My whole thought has been to stop the model they have chosen. There is plenty of time and if they send another call maybe some truly great sculptor will tackle the job. And it is a job to produce the perfect work that I insist upon having and I know everybody who knew Charlie wants it too. It was such a satisfaction to hear that you knew about the selection because you would understand and know what to do to make them reconsider.. I am enclosing a copy of my answer to Harry Mitchell which quotes Lorado Taft’s telegram. I am also sending copies of letters to Mrs. Robbins, the secretary of the Committee, one from Charlie Beil to her and one I wrote Mrs. Lincoln. I have not written the Governor as I have not heard from him since my wire of the 10th. I have heard from many of Charlie’s true friends and they all object to a model which does not represent him as we all want to remember him and which is not a fine piece of work. I received a copy today of a letter written by Bill Hart to the Governor. You may be interested in this too so I am sending a copy. Several others have told me they have written or wired the Governor. Won’t you tell me what you think is best -2- to do now as I will not sleep very well until I know that the Committee have reconsidered. I had a letter today from Bertha but she knew nothing about the difficulty. I am very grateful to you for your assistance – one of the prices of friend- ship. Sincerely, Enc. 5. [Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-11-12]